Gorillaz announce new album, unveil video and plot Demon Dayz Festival, Oct. 20 at Pico Rivera Sports Arena

Daiana Feuer on May 31st, 2018

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Snoop Dogg may have snagged the record for largest paradise beverage with his giant Gin & Juice, but he’s not the only artist to be recognized by the Guinness Book of Records. Gorillaz maintain their position as “The World’s Most Successful Virtual Act.”

Created by Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett in 2001, 2D, Murdoc Niccals, Noodle and Russel Hobbs are the most infamous virtual band of the 21st century … so far. Following 2017’s “Humanz,” the band has announced the June 29 release of its sixth studio album, “The Now Now,” on Warner Bros., produced by Gorillaz with James Ford and Remi Kabaka and recorded at London’s Studio 13 this past February.

Coincidentally, Snoop makes an appearance on “The Now Now” track “Hollywood,” alongside Jamie Principle. Smooth jazz singer/guitarist George Benson appears on “Humility,” but those are the only guest stars on the new record. Unless you count bassist Ace, a Gangreen Gang member, who is handling bass duties while Murdoc is “indisposed.” Maybe you’ve seen “Free Murdoc” billboards at Coachella or the Kentucky Derby or on Reddit and Change.org and, yes, it’s a cartoon guy replacing a cartoon guy who is in virtual jail.

Directed by Hewlett, the “Humility” video stars 2D in short shorts rollerskating around Venice Beach, where his bandmates stir up trouble, and Jack Black tries to make some cash busking on the boardwalk with an electric guitar.

In other exciting news, Gorillaz will bring their Demon Dayz Festival to the Pico Rivera Sports Arena & Grounds on Oct. 20, described by the Guardian as a “joyful apocalypse … and carnivalesque festival of great performances.” The band’s lineup for the fest will include special guests and collaborators but the burning question remains, will Murdoc be free by then?

||| Watch: “Humility”